missional life

Ministries that extend beyond our walls

Outreach Team

A welcome and invitation to our surrounding community

  • Yearly Various activities encourage people to come to our church and experience our welcome. Community Invited & Focused Gatherings in General are handled by our Outreach Team. See below for opportunities of engagement:

    Bread of Welcome - Welcome with a gift of Bread to new neighbors of our community

    Red Cross Blood Drives in Fall and Spring

    Red Cross Babysitters Course for youth 12 years of age and older - Fall and Spring

    National Night Out - Community built dinner around getting to know neighbors, local law enforcement, local fire department and EMTS - Held First Tuesday in August

    Music Under the TimberKryka - Local live music under our new outdoor gathering space - Held on Wednesdays in Summer

  • Here we get to know you and help you with a supportive mentor family to help you get acclimated to our faith community.

    We believe that joining a congregation is essential to living a life of faith in Jesus Christ. It is our mission to help people of all ages become active and engaged followers of Christ. Please know that all programs, activities and opportunities are available to you regardless of your membership status. We welcome all. Here is an overview of how you can join this journey with us:

    Step 1 (Worship):

    You are invited to worship with the congregation. Come and worship at our services and various activities to be sure French River Lutheran Church fits as your spiritual home. By attending worship services, you will get an impression of our congregation. It will allow you to hear our pastor preach the Word of God from a Lutheran perspective. You will meet other Christians who are following Christ as members of this congregation.

    Step 2 (Interest in Becoming a Member):

    At this point you may have some questions about the congregation. You may want to set up a time to meet with our pastor. You can simply introduce yourself before or after a worship service and the pastor will be happy to set up a time to meet with you. You can also email or call the pastor or church office with questions. If you would like more information on how to join French River Lutheran Church or information on the next New Member Class gathering, contact the office at 218.525.5659. For those who have not been baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we encourage you to have a conversation with our pastor. Parents seeking Holy Baptism for their infant children are likewise asked to visit with our pastor.

    Step 3 (New Member Classes):

    We have two one-hour session classes to discuss the basic Lutheran teachings and orientation with the ministries of FRLC. The purpose of these sessions is to allow time for people to get to know one another and the many programs and ministries here at FRLC. The first session is intended for those who do not have a Lutheran background, as we focus on the teachings of the Lutheran church. This first session can also serve as a good refresher course for those joining FRLC through transfer or for our current members. The second class is about FRLC and our community. These classes will help you determine if you would like to join the FRLC community of faith. New members are expected to attend both New Member classes. However, if you are transferring from another Lutheran church the first session is not necessary.

    If you have any questions about the New Member classes, or anything regarding FRLC, please contact the office at 218.525.5659.

    Step 4 (New Member Sunday):

    After completing the above steps and deciding that FRLC is a great fit as your church home, you will have the opportunity to officially join our congregation. The pastor will take you through the membership process. We recognize new members during Sunday morning service. The service is followed by a New Member Fellowship for you, your family and friends.

    Step 5 (Follow-up):

    About six months after joining French River Lutheran Church (FRLC), our pastor will check-in to see how things are going:

    • Are there other ways that FRLC can be of help to you?

    • Are you feeling at home here?

    • How might we better connect, grow, serve and go together?

    Step 6 (Connect, Grow and Serve):

    Continue to worship with us and pick one or more of the areas below to become involved...

    • Connect - get to know other Christians here at FRLC and encourage one another.

    • Grow - study God's word; increase your understanding of God's active role in your life

    • Serve - each of us has been given talents to make.

    “Getting to know all about you, Getting to feel free and easy. When I am with you… necause of all the beautiful and new things I'm learning about you day by day.” -Rodgers and Hammerstein

  • Post-Secondary Scholarship

    Seminary Scholarship:

    • A scholarship of up to $2,000 has been created for FRLC members enrolled in an accredited seminary degree program.

    • The scholarship amount will match individual donations designated for the seminary student by members of the congregation during the previous 12 months (May 1 - April 30) and excludes funds budgeted as part of the annual budget.

    • The scholarship is paid to the student upon successful completion of the school year (May 31).

    • The student is eligible for up to four annual scholarships. The student must consult with the Scholarship Committee once committed to attend a seminary so that a scholarship plan can be developed with the Scholarship Committee.

    ——————

    Both scholarships are made possible through designation of memorials to FRLC scholarships, direct donations, and earnings from an investment account. The intent is to use interest earnings generated from the principle to fund the scholarships. This investment is maintained at Raymond James. If you are interested in contributing to this program to support our youth, designate your donation or memorial to the FRLC Scholarship Fund.

Hans & Frans SNL Buff People (or Beth L. & Sue B.) making a creative announcement to the congregation to join in outreach events and “Work out those flabby acts of welcoming.”

Cocoa & Carols under the Timberkryra Dec 2023

Stewardship Team

How we grow our in service to others, our creation, and community.

  • Each Fall we gather together our gifts and talents to remind each other of how we can carry on the ministry of this church with the generosity of gifts that God has given to us. A form is sent to each household showing different areas ministry that are in need of helpers and their gifts or talents to continue to thrive.

    Stewardship is also a reminder of the weekly tithe we give to help our ministry continue both inside and outside of our church. It helps pay our pastor, part time staff, keep the lights and heat on. ALSO it helps us serve and care for various missional ministries in our communities, country, and world. Benevolence (offering) aids us in charitable mission as Christ has asked us to do with our ministry in Him.

  • Our mission is to live out God’s call to be stewards of the earth for the sake of the whole creation.

    The EcoFaith Network of NEMN Synod is made up of congregations, individuals, and other partners across the Northeastern Minnesota Synod and beyond. The Network’s website is found here:

    https://www.ecofaithnetwork.org

    We are proud members of this network with a reminder of various eco focused care for our lands, water consumption and cleanliness, energy use, and creation care. We are proud of our Pollinator plot that helps bees, bugs, & butterflies become more plentiful and help the whole of our creation become stronger. The Pollinator Project has involved over 39 Congregation in our Northeastern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA.

    Do you have a pollinator garden at your congregation? Contact ecofaith@nemnsynod.org so we can add you to the map!

  • The Seafarers Center is an ecumenical ministry of hospitality for seafarers visiting the Twin Ports of Duluth, Minnesota and Superior, Wisconsin. The Seafarers Center has served seafarers for more than 50 years. We exist because of the support of church bodies and congregations along with individuals and port businesses who are concerned about the wellbeing of those who have chosen the seas as their livelihood.

    As a comfort and a care for those visiting through their work on water, we often create care packages for our Seapersons who travel from around the world on Ore and Cargo Boats, through our Great Lakes and into the Duluth Harbor.

    Ditty bags: Essential ditty bag contents (packed separately in zip-lock bag): full size bar of soap & wash cloth, packaged tooth brush & paste, sturdy men's comb, disposable razor (triple or quad blade), pen & note tablet that will fit in 9x9" box, travel size shampoo, conditioner, lotion. Optional items: nail clippers, warm wool socks, sewing kits.

    Christmas cards illustrated by children (a great Sunday School or Youth project; call us for resources, directions or ideas).

    Knitted caps and scarves in dark colors (Wool-Ease preferred); patterns are online at https://seafarerstwinports.org or ask the church office for assistance.

    Gently-used clothing: men's jackets (all seasons), sweatshirts, T-shirts, jeans, pants, shirts, shoes.

    Reading material: books & current magazines appropriate for men, English & other languages; bibles in English & any language with medium to large print.

    Occasionally requested items: "Daily Bread" or other devotional material, guitar, bicycle, warm pajamas, blanket, DVDs.

    Hospitality items: homemade cookies & bars, Fair Trade coffee/tea, juices & 12 packs of soft drinks, art work, furnishings, kitchen items for residents at the center.

    Thank you for your interest in this project. Completed projects may be sent to: Twin Ports Ministry to Seafarers, 2024 West Third St., Duluth, MN 55806. (218)727-5897.

  • Churches United in Ministry

    People of faith working together to provide basic necessities, foster stable lives, and organize for a just and compassionate community

    CHUM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose programs serve more than 8,000 low-income, homeless, hungry, isolated, or otherwise marginalized community members each year in Duluth, MN. Chum was founded in 1973 when 10 churches in Duluth’s Central Hillside neighborhood pooled their resources to meet the needs of the neighborhood’s many low-income residents more effectively.

    We are striving to be a nonprofit in Duluth, MN, that can super-serve its clients and end poverty in this amazing, beautiful, and loving community. Hit the button below to learn more about who we are and where we started.

    French River Lutheran Church has dedicated itself to be the ramen soup church, pledging to donate 100 Ramen Soup Packets each month to help those be able to have an easy meal that is filling.

    Two Harbors Food Shelf

    The Two Harbors Area Food Shelf has been serving Two Harbors and surrounding areas since 1982 with the mission to "Reduce hunger and improve the health of those in need by providing food and other resources at no cost"

    We became our own registered 501 (c) 3 organization in 2015 guided by a 6-10 member board of directors to better serve our community.

    French River Lutheran has regular volunteers that help hand out food each Tuesday to households in need. Also each fall we have a Turkey Bingo event where we have silent auction items up for grabs for bingo winners. The grand prize is a full thanksgiving dinner for the final game. All proceeds go to support the Two Harbors Food Shelf aid those in need.

CHUM food shelf at Second Harvest in Duluth

Seafarers Twin Port Ministry for those who live and work on the waters of the Great Lakes and seas beyond.

Time & Talent of volunteers who carefully stained the timbers for our Timberkyrka, taking a well deserved lunch break- Summer 2023

Outside Groups

  • Kindred Paths Nature Preschool

    Kindred Paths Nature School opened in the Fall of 2020 with the goal of creating a space where children could explore, take risks, play, learn, and grow. We are outside learning about our ecological world year round. Our indoor classroom is in the French River Lutheran Church; a space where kids can cozy up and look at a book, play, and learn. However, we spend very little time indoors, choosing instead to play and learn in the woods, on the beach, and by the river in all seasons. We are located in the Cedar Forest of French River Lutheran and are a separate organization from the church.

    For More information follow these links:
    https://kindredpathsllc.com/about-us/
    https://www.facebook.com/kindredpaths

  • Alcoholics Anonymous

    Alcoholics Anonymous meets weekly at French River Lutheran on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m in the Sanctuary Alcove.

    A.A.’s primary purpose is to help alcoholics to achieve sobriety.

    Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who come together to solve their drinking problem. It doesn’t cost anything to attend A.A. meetings. There are no age or education requirements to participate. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem.

    Come to a meeting and find support here. Contact Phil Strom for more information.

  • Days for Girls

    This ecumenical partnership was set up by a beloved saint in light of our congregation, Deb Adams.
    Days for Girls is a global effort to increase access to menstrual care and education by developing global partnerships, cultivating Social Enterprises, mobilizing volunteers and innovating sustainable solutions that shatter stigma and limitations for women and girls. Cost-effective, safe, sustainable and contextually relevant products help women and girls manage their periods and engage in livelihood activities.

    By creating and giving out reusable menstrual kits for women and girls, we help decrease stigmas. Pattern Cutting & Sewing Days set up by Carol Surine. If you’d like to learn more or volunteer please contact her at: (218) 525-4426

  • Duluth North Shore Sanitation District

    Homes below Expressway of Highway 61 within Duluth Township are part of the Duluth North Shore Sanitary District (DNSSD). Instead of septic systems, these homes and businesses are tied into a sewer line that is connected to WLSSD.

    A volunteer board meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, at 7:00am, at French River Lutheran Church. The public is welcome to attend these open meetings.

    Homeowners are expected to understand and take responsibility in caring for their part of the this sewer line, and the board publishes newsletters to aid in that effort. For Emergencies Contact People Service at 218-590-5911 immediately!